How Long Is the Incubation Period for Hepatitis C?
Medically reviewed by Anju Goel, MD, MPH
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes an infection of the liver. It's transmitted through contact with infected blood. Many people with HCV infections, whether they are acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), experience mild or no symptoms.
It can take weeks to months between being exposed to the virus to experiencing any symptoms. This period is referred to as the incubation period. The incubation period for HCV is two weeks to six months.
Read on to learn more about the HCV incubation period, when tests can detect the virus, and what you can expect with treatment if you test positive.
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How Long Is the Hepatitis C Incubation Period?
In people who develop symptoms, on average, it can take between two weeks and 12 weeks from the time you are exposed to HCV to experience symptoms. However, most people with HCV will not experience symptoms.
Will You Test Positive for HCV During the Incubation Period?
The recommended process for diagnosing a new HCV infection is to first have an HCV antibody test. If you have newly acquired the virus, it's possible that a test may not detect an infection right away. On average, it may take your body eight weeks to 11 weeks to produce enough antibodies to be detected on an HCV test.
If you test positive for HCV antibodies, the next step is an HCV RNA test. If this is positive, it indicates a current infection. This test could detect a current infection as early as one to two weeks after exposure.
There's also a wider range of time—between two weeks and six months—when it's possible that the HCV antibody test could pick up enough antibodies. This varies from person to person.
Some people may not produce enough antibodies to be detected on a typical HCV test due to a lowered immune response. In those cases, it may be necessary to have other types of tests done.
Are You Contagious During the Incubation Period?
Yes. People with an acute HCV infection may be contagious a week or more after exposure, and most never develop symptoms. Those with a chronic HCV infection are considered to be contagious throughout the time they are infected.
Ways HCV Is Transmitted
HCV is passed through contact with infected blood. The ways it can be transmitted include:
Sharing used needles, often involved in injectable drug use
From a pregnant person with HCV to their baby
Using non-sterile tattoo equipment
Unintentional needle sticks
Using shared personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors
Undergoing invasive medical procedures or other injections
Having sex with a person who has HCV (not as common)
What to Expect
People with acute HCV infections may experience symptoms. However, most people will have very mild symptoms or none at all. Over half of the people who acquire HCV develop chronic infections. People with chronic HCV infections often have no symptoms or vague symptoms that can include depression and fatigue.
Getting tested for the virus is key since you may never have symptoms. All adults 18 to 70 should be screened for HCV at least once in their lifetime. A pregnant person should be tested during each pregnancy. Healthcare providers can also advise you on prevention strategies.
Once diagnosed, HCV infections can be treated with antiviral medications and cured in about eight weeks to 12 weeks. However, more prolonged treatment (up to 24 weeks) is possible for some people.
Starting Hepatitis C Treatment
If you are diagnosed with HCV, several antiviral medications can be prescribed for treatment. The newest medications available are in pill form. Current medications are successful at treating and curing over 90% of HCV infections.
Many people have mild or no side effects from the medication. Some people report:
A significant drop in your HCV viral load (how much of the virus is in your body) may occur within the first two weeks of treatment. After four weeks of treatment, undetectable viral loads are possible, though it may be longer for others.
A healthcare provider will use blood tests and check-in to determine how you are tolerating the treatment periodically throughout and afterward.
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is transmitted through contact with infected blood that causes liver infection. The virus' incubation period is between two weeks and six months after exposure. Though some people may experience symptoms, most people have none. You may be able to transmit the virus for a week or more before any symptoms appear.
An HCV antibody test may not be able to detect new infections. It takes eight weeks to 11 weeks after infection for a test to have accurate results. An HCV RNA test can detect the virus sooner, but is usually performed if the antibody test is positive.
If you do have a positive diagnosis, the majority of infections can be treated and cured. Oral antiviral medications are typically prescribed and treatment lasts for about eight weeks to 12 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for hepatitis C to show up after exposure?
It may take between two to six months for symptoms to appear. However, most people with a hepatitis C infection will have no symptoms. Tests may not be able to accurately identify a new infection. It can take the body eight weeks to 11 weeks to produce enough antibodies to accurately detect an infection with an HCV antibody test.
What are the early warning signs of hepatitis C?
A person with an acute hepatitis C infection may have mild or no symptoms. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin), dark urine, and pale-colored stool. A person with a chronic (long-term) hepatitis C infection may have no symptoms.
Is hepatitis C contagious?
HCV is contagious. It's transmitted through contact with infected blood. Most infections occur when people who use injectable drugs share needles. Many people don't know they have an HCV infection because about 80% of those infected don't experience symptoms.
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